Michelle W says,
Write about a loss: something (or someone) that was part of your life, and isn’t any more.
This doesn’t need to be a depressing exercise; you can write about that time you lost the three-legged race at a picnic. What’s important is reflecting on this experience and what it meant for you — how it felt, why it happened, and what changed because of it.
Today’s twist: Make today’s post the first in a three-post series
Violet Elizabeth was just sitting there when they crashed into her on the road. It was noon on one of those late winter days when you wake up and find the ground white with snow. We can’t drive on snow here in the UK, I confess it applies to me as well it happens so rarely in the south west of England. An inch of white stuff and I have this awful dilemma in my head. If I drive and the snow gets heavier I could be stranded somewhere. There could be an accident. If I walk I could fall on hidden ice and break a leg. I think perhaps I had a bad fall as a child that has affected me, or seen someone else fall. My grandmother had a fear of slipping on ice and hurting herself, it could be that causing my irrational fear.
On the March morning, there was an accident. The snow had fallen in the early hours, it must have thawed slightly before freezing again making the road treacherous, especially on the bend outside where violet was waiting.
My neighbour witnessed it from her window, and thinking it was a hit and run, she rushed out. Violet was ten years old.
Intriguing, Gilly, I’m looking forward to the next instalment. We are ridiculously unprepared for the weather here in UK ~ particularly the snow. I remember the big freeze in the 1960’s, when we were snowed in, in the Welsh countryside for a couple of months and couldn’t get out off our drive to go to school! That was no loss to me at all! 😉
I cant believe this topic popped up in my in box. Gilly. I’m having a really tough time so maybe I need to write it down. I love the way you have set the scene & left a cliff hanger of sorts. I’ll be waiting for part 2!
I got the impression you were the other day. So sorry, hope you have lots of support. I’ll send positive energy your way.
Thanks Gilly. You already have! Here you go!
http://jfb57.wordpress.com/2014/09/21/writing-101-serially-lost/
An unexpected, jaw dropping cliffhanger. Ouch. I’m intrigued. I look forward to part deux. ❤
Nice, I’m from the south west of England as well, and know how unprepared this place is of snow. Keep up with the writing.
Eye-flinching ending, Gilly. I remember driving to a snow ski spot in Rocarasso in North of Italy. It was the most dangerous drive I’ve been to. All because of the snow.
You’ve made me eager for the continuation of this piece – a good sign of engaging writing. You are such a diverse blogger.
(I’m only just getting into the habit of going to Reader to catch you – I’m used to a blog-alert email in my in box to keep me following.)
(And of course I’ve just found the sign-up which I looked for and missed before!)
it takes courage to analyse a loss which became a landmark in your life…